U.S. patent number 3,955,078 [Application Number 05/503,774] was granted by the patent office on 1976-05-04 for multi-purpose fishing light.
Invention is credited to Larry A. Eggers, Walter A. Eggers.
United States Patent |
3,955,078 |
Eggers , et al. |
May 4, 1976 |
Multi-purpose fishing light
Abstract
A multi-purpose fishing light has a housing provided with an
opening covered by a translucent lens. An aperture is formed in the
lens for receiving the lens portion of a spot/flood lamp, while a
fishing lamp assembly is mounted in the housing for reflecting
light through the translucent lens. Control of the lamp is achieved
by a regulator assembly including a rheostat and a four-position
switch.
Inventors: |
Eggers; Larry A. (Springfield,
MO), Eggers; Walter A. (Springfield, MO) |
Family
ID: |
24003451 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/503,774 |
Filed: |
September 6, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/222; D26/63;
362/228; 362/432 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B
45/02 (20130101); F21L 14/00 (20130101); F21L
14/023 (20130101); F21V 23/04 (20130101); F21V
21/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21L
14/00 (20060101); F21L 14/02 (20060101); F21V
021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;240/10.6,26,41R,3,52R,6.4R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Moses; R. L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lowe, Kokjer, Kircher, Wharton
& Bowman
Claims
What is claimed as new is as follows:
1. A multi-purpose fishing light comprising, in combination:
a. a box-like housing having a rectangular opening therein;
b. a rectangular, translucent lens covering the opening of the
housing, the lens having an aperture offset from the center of the
lens;
c. an elongate first lamp for shining light through the lens
disposed in the housing offset from the center of the lens in a
direction away from the aperture;
d. a second lamp disposed in the aperture in the lens; and
e. regulator means for controlling the operation of the first and
second lamps.
2. A structure as defined in claim 1, further including a
rectangular block mounted on a wall of the housing disposed
opposite the opening of the housing and arranged facing the
opening, a clip mounted on the block for retaining the first lamp,
and a concave reflector arranged between the block and housing wall
for reflecting light emitted from the first lamp toward the
lens.
3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the regulator means
includes a rheostat and a four-positioned switch, the rheostat and
one position of the switch being connected in series with the first
lamp, and the second lamp having two connections, one for spot mode
and one for flood mode, with respective other positions of the
switch being connected to the two connections of the second
lamp.
4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the housing wall is
arranged substantially parallel to and spaced from the lens, a
handle mounted on the wall and extending away from the lens and
housing, rheostat and switch mounted on the wall and having
actuating shafts extending through the wall and away from the
housing, a pair of control knobs mounted on the control shafts for
actuating the switch and rheostat, a plurality of threaded sockets
arranged in corners of the rectangular housing, the lens being
secured on the housing by screw fasteners engaged in the sockets,
and cord means for connecting the switch and lamps to a source of
power for lighting the lamps.
5. A structure as defined in claim 4, in combination with a
substantially U-shaped bracket mountable on a support, the bracket
having a pair of substantially coplanar legs each terminating in a
V-shaped notch, and the housing further including coaxial trunions
extending in opposite directions from the housing and arrangeable
in the notches.
6. A structure as defined in claim 1, further including a
rectangular block mount on a wall of the housing disposed opposite
the opening of the housing and arranged facing the opening, a clip
mounted on the block for retaining the first lamp, and a concave
reflector arranged between the block and housing wall for
reflecting light emitter from the first lamp toward the lens.
7. The fishing light as in claim 1 in combination with a base
bracket to support the fishing light, the fishing light having a
centerline intermediate the height thereof and a center of gravity
below the centerline, the housing including trunnions at opposite
sides thereof and above the centerline to support the fishing light
on the bracket.
8. A structure as defined in claim 1, in combination with a
substantially U-shaped bracket mountable on a support, the bracket
having a pair of substantially coplanar legs each terminating in a
V-shaped notch, and the housing further including coaxial trunions
extending in opposite directions from the housing and arrangeable
in the notches.
9. A multi-purpose fishing light comprising, in combination:
a. a box-like housing having a rectangular opening therein;
b. a rectangular lens covering the opening of the housing, the lens
having an aperture offset from the center of the lens;
c. a first lamp disposed in the housing offset from the center of
the lens in a direction away from the aperture;
d. a second lamp disposed in the aperture of the lens; and
e. regulator means for controlling operation of the first and
second lamps.
10. A multi-purpose fishing light comprising, in combination:
a. a housing having an opening;
b. a lens arranged covering the opening of the housing;
c. first and second lamps arranged in the housing; and
d. regulator means for controlling the operation of the first and
second lamps, the regulator means including a rheostat and a
four-position switch, the rheostat and one position of the switch
being connected with the first lamp, and the second lamp having two
connections, one for spot mode and one for flood mode, with
respective other positions of the switch being connected to the two
connections of the second lamp.
11. A multi-purpose fishing light comprising, in combination:
a. a housing having an opening, a substantially rectangular back
wall arranged substantially parallel to and spaced from the plane
of the opening, and a plurality of threaded sockets arranged in the
corners of the housing;
b. a lens covering the opening and secured to the housing by screw
fasteners engaged in the sockets;
c. a handle mounted on the back wall of the housing and extending
away from the lens and housing;
d. first and second lamps arranged in the housing; and
e. regulator means for controlling the operation of the first and
second lamps.
12. A multi-purpose fishing light having intermediate the height
thereof and a center of gravity located below the centerline
thereof, said fishing light comprising, in combination:
a. A box-like housing having an opening therein;
b. a first lamp for emitting a soft glowing light of adjustably
variable intensity mounted in the housing above the centerline
thereof;
c. adjustment means connected to the first lamp to adjustably vary
the intensity of light from the first lamp;
d. a translucent lens connected to the housing remote from the
first lamp to transmit therethrough the light emitted from the
first lamp;
e. a second lamp for selectively emitting a bright spotlight or a
bright floodlight mounted to the housing with the major portion of
the second lamp positioned below the centerline of the housing;
and
f. switch means for controlling the operation of the first and
second lamps.
13. The fishing light as in claim 12 in combination with a base
bracket to support the fishing light, and in which the housing
includes trunnions at opposite sides thereof and above the
centerline of the housing to support the fishing light on the
bracket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an illuminating device, and
more particularly to a multi-purpose fishing light incorporating
fishing, spot, and flood light capabilities into a single
light.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Our co-pending application Ser. No. 344,134, filed Mar. 23 1973,
discloses a night fishing light especially suited for bass fishing,
and the like. This night fishing light has a rheostat control
providing adjustment of the brightness of a lamp forming the light
to whatever natural light is available at a given time. More
specifically, the brightness of the lamp is adjustable to whatever
light is required for the fisherman to see the brush and bank edge,
and the like, for night casting in order to catch bass and other
fish.
Prior patents believed pertinent to the present invention are as
follows:
1,423,911 A. D. Cardwell July 25, 1922 1,444,831 R. E. Dewey Feb.
13, 1923 2,612,548 E. F. Swanson Sep. 30, 1952 2,656,452 T. Phils
Oct. 20, 1953 2,744,187 C. J. Moak May 1, 1956 2,932,018 J. J.
Schwartz Apr. 5, 1960 2,983,810 R. S. James et al May 9, 1961.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose
fishing light having fishing, spot, and flood lighting
capabilities.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
multi-purpose fishing light small enough to fit into a larger size
conventional fishing tackle box, yet simple in design, inexpensive
to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use, moisture
proof, and efficient in operation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
multi-purpose light which may be readily mounted on a boat, or the
like, while being readily removable from the aforementioned
mounting to be held in a user's hand.
These and other objects are achieved according to the present
invention by providing a light having a housing having an opening;
a lens arranged covering the openings of the housing; first and
second lamps arranged in the housing; and a regulator system
arranged for controlling the operation of the first and second
lamps.
The lens is advantageously a translucent lens, and the first lamp
an elongated lamp disposed in the housing for shining through the
lens. The lens is preferably provided with an aperture, with the
second lamp, which is advantageously a conventional spot/flood
lamp, being disposed in the aperture in the lens.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
elongated lamp is part of an assembly including a block mounted on
the wall of the housing opposite the opening of the housing and
arranged facing the opening. A clip is mounted on the block for
retaining the elongated lamp, while a concave reflector is aranged
between the block and the housing wall for reflecting light emitted
from the first lamp toward and through the lens.
The regulator system advantageously includes a rheostat and a
four-position switch, with the rheostat and one position of the
switch being connected in series with the elongated lamp. The
spot/flood lamp is provided with two electrical contacts, one for
spot mode and the other for flood mode, with respective other
positions of the switch being connected to the two contacts of the
spot/flood lamp.
A handle is preferably mounted on the wall on which the elongated
lamp assembly is mounted, together with the rheostat and switch. In
this manner, the control knobs for the rheostat and switch are
available at the rear of the light for easy access and
manipulation. The handle permits manual manipulation of the light.
The lens is advantageously mounted on the housing over the opening
thereof by screw fasteners engaged in sockets arranged at the
corners of the housing. A cord terminating in a pair of
conventional battery clips facilitates attachment of the light to a
conventional battery, and the like, so that power is provided to
the lamps.
A U-shaped bracket is advantageously provided to selectively mount
the light on a support, such as a boat, and the like. This U-shaped
bracket has a pair of substantially coplanar legs, each of which
legs terminates in a V-shaped notch. The housing further includes
coaxial trunions extending in opposite directions from the housing
and arrangeable in the notches for selectively, and easily,
mounting the light on a boat, and the like.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become
subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view, partly cut away and in
section, showing a multi-purpose fishing light according to the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the
line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, rear elevational view, partly cut away and
in section, showing the fishing light of FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical circuit for a
fishing light according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3 of the
drawings, a multi-purpose fishing light 10 according to the present
invention has a housing 12 provided with an opening 14 across one
face of the housing. A, for example, translucent lens 16 is
arrangeable covering opening 14. Lens 16 may be constructed from,
for example, a suitable synthetic, such as those formed from
acrylic resins, while housing 12 is advantageously molded in one
piece from a, for example, phenolic resin. A first lamp 18 which is
advantagely an elongated lamp disposed in housing 12 for shining
through lens 16, and a second lamp 20 which is advantageously a
standard marine spot/flood sealbeam lamp, are arranged in housing
12. A regulator system 22 is provided for controlling the operation
of lamps 18 and 20 in a manner to be described in detail below.
Lens 16 is provided with a substantially circular aperture 24 of
sufficient size to receive the lens portion of lamp 20. The latter
is held in aperture 24 as is seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings by a
retaining and spacing brace 25, which may be constructed from
polyvinyl chloride, and the like. By engagement of the free end of
cantilever mounted brace 25 which the periphery of lamp 20 when
lens 16 is arranged on housing 12, lamp 20 is retained in its
desired position. The ring about the lamp that separates the lens
portion of the lamp from its associated reflector and lamp holding
portion prevents lamp 20 from passing through aperture 24 and out
of housing 12.
Lens 16, housing 12, and opening 14 are advantageously rectangular
in configuration, with aperture 24 offset from a center of lens 16
and lamp 18 disposed in housing 12 in such a manner as to be offset
relative to the same lens center in a direction away from aperture
24. In this manner, light rays from lamp 18 will be reflected
through the largest unperforated portion of translucent lens
16.
Lamp 18 is advantageously part of an assembly including a
rectangular block 26 mounted on a wall 27 of housing 12 opposite
opening 14 and arranged facing opening 14. A clip 28 is mounted on
block 26 in a conventional manner for retaining lamp 18 in easily
removable fashion. Between block 26 and wall 27 is arranged a
preferably concave reflector 30 which reflects light emitted from
lamp 18 toward lens 16 in a concentrated and more efficient manner
than would lamp 18 if such a reflector was not associated with the
lamp.
The regulator system advantageously includes a rheostat 32 and a
four-position switch 34 (FIG. 4), both of conventional
construction. The manner in which rheostat 32 and switch 34 are
connected to lamps 18 and 20 will be discussed in greater detail
below with reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings.
Housing wall 27 is desirably arranged substantially parallel to,
and spaced from, lens 16. A handle 36 which may also be molded from
a phenolic resin similar to that used for constructing housing 12,
is mounted on wall 27 at the side thereof which permits the handle
to extend away from lens 16 and housing 12. Handle 36 may be
mounted on wall 27 as by the bolts 37 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the
drawings. It is to be understood that the uppermost bolt 37 shown
in FIG. 2 of the drawings may be slightly longer than the lower
bolt 37 in order to employ the bolt to retain block 26, reflector
30 and even clip 28 on wall 27. Rheostat 32 and switch 34 are
mounted on wall 37 such that their control shafts extend outwardly
of housing 12, and knobs 38 and 40 are advantageously mounted on
the aforementioned control shafts facilitating actuation of the
switch and rheostat. A plurality of threaded sockets 42 are
arranged in the corners of rectangular housing 12, and lens 16 is
secured to housing 12 by screw fasteners 44 engaged in sockets 42.
As will be readily appreciated from FIG. 2, the sockets 42 form an
abutment which properly positions lens 16 with respect to housing
12.
A cord 46 is provided for connecting the switch, rheostat, and
lamps to a suitable source of electric power, such as a
conventional marine battery (not shown) and the like. This cord 46,
which passes out of housing 12 through a grommeted aperture, as is
conventional, has a pair of wires 48 and 50, each of which my be
provided with, for example, copper plated battery clips (not shown)
which facilitate engagement of the wires to a battery external of
the light so as to provide the lamps with a source of power.
Light 10 is advantageously used in conjunction with a substantially
U-shaped racket 52 mountable on a support (not shown) such as the
rail of a boat, by the screw 53 arranged in aperture formed in the
bight portion of bracket 52. The latter is also provided with a
pair of substantially coplanar legs 54, each of which terminates in
a V-shaped notch 56. Housing 12 further includes coaxial trunions
58 and 60 extending in opposite directions from housing 12 and
arrangeable in notches 56 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of
the drawings. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of lamp
20 in the lower portion of housing 12 will cause the light 10 to be
bottom heavy and therefore remain substantially vertical in notches
56 as the boat (not shown), and the like, with which light 10 is
being used rocks in the direction perpendicular to the axis formed
by trunions 58. When desired, however, light 10 may be quickly and
easily removed from bracket 52 simply by grasping the light by its
handle 36 and lifting the light from the bracket.
Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, wire 48 of cord 46 is
connected to one side of a battery (not shown), and the like, and
to the common pole of lamp 20, while wire 50 of cord 46 is also
connected to the battery and to the wiper contact 61 of switch 34.
As can be readily appreciated from FIG. 4, one contact position of
switch 34 is connected rheostat 32 as by line 62. The rheostat is
itself connected to one side of lamp 18 by a line 64, while the
other side of lamp 18 is connected to wire 48 by a line 66. Thus,
rheostat 32 and lamp 18 are connected in series with one position
of switch 34, and when wiper contact 61 is in the position
illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings, a circuit will be completed
through lamp 18. Lamp 20 has two contacts other than the common
contact referred to above. One of these two contacts forms a
connection for a spot mode of the lamp 20, while the other of the
two contacts forms a connection for a flood mode of lamp 20. These
two contacts are connected to two other positions of switch 34 by
wires 68 and 70 as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, when wiper contact
51 is moved into contact with each of the positions of switch 34
associated with wires 68 and 70, a circuit will be completed
through lamp 20 to form the spot mode and flood mode, respectively.
In this manner, light 10 can be used to function in any one of
three different manners; as a night fishing light, a spot light,
and a flood light.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles
of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *